They’re not perfect synonyms, but they are similar. “Elaborate” is something that has a lot of details and is very intricate. It COULD be something that is complicated. However, it often is not. For example: “Wow! Look at that elaborate costume!” Example: a wedding cake, a chandelier, the details on how to care for your friends dog. “Complicated” means there are many parts, and it’s usually also confusing. Examples: “Finding my way through the complicated subway system caused me to be late!” “This complicated math problem has taken me 45 minutes!” “This recipe shouldn’t be so complicated!” Also, please note that “elaborate” is an adjective and also a verb. It is pronounced and used differently in each part of speech. Please let me know if you have any other questions. Happy New Year!!

Pretty much, yes. Why don't you tell us more about what you're trying to say? Both are antonyms (opposites) for "simple." "Complicated" is a more common word. "Complicated" suggests that something has a lot of parts and is hard to understand. A car engine is complicated. "Elaborate" suggests that someone has worked hard to add lots of decorations or details. The architecture of mosques and churches is often elaborate. Our special holiday meal was "elaborate." There were many, many dishes, more than for a regular meal. You would not say that the MEAL was "complicated." You might say "the formula for solving a quadratic equation is complicated." You would not say it was "elaborate." Caution! The next examples might be confusing. "Because the meal was so elaborate, the planning for it was complicated." "One way to solve a quadratic equation by following an elaborate set of directions for 'completing the square.' Another way is to use a short--but complicated--formula."